Politics 16 June 2026 Nile Post
Museveni Advocates for African Political Union to Boost Security and Global Standing
President Yoweri Museveni is calling for greater political and economic integration across Africa, asserting that current colonial borders hinder the continent's ability to ensure security and compete effectively on the world stage. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/349136/museveni-calls-for-african-political-integration-to-strengthen-security-and-economic-power
President Yoweri Museveni has strongly advocated for unified political and economic structures across the African continent, arguing that the existing fragmentation inherited from colonial times is a significant impediment to continental security and global competitiveness.
Speaking to army officers at the Senior Staff College in Jinja, Museveni emphasized that Africa must develop a cohesive strategy for critical domains like land, air, maritime, and even space exploration. He highlighted that achieving such ambitions is impossible under the current political landscape, which is shaped by “irrational colonial borders.”
“If you’re not going to be just a boy scout movement and be able to defend Africa, we must be able to operate on land, air, navy and in space but can Uganda have a space program? Or can we go to ocean? No, we are cut off by the irrational colonial borders. That’s why the answer there is political integration,” Museveni stated.
He warned that leaders who prioritize narrow national interests over broader continental goals will continue to undermine regional integration efforts. Museveni also reiterated the National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) commitment to Africa’s “historical missions,” which he defined as securing political stability and fostering economic transformation, primarily through market integration.
Referencing the past, Museveni criticized previous African leadership for neglecting strategic dangers, drawing a parallel to contemporary leaders who might be complacent amidst falling “buildings,” symbolizing systemic weaknesses.
He further noted the importance of economic diversification beyond agriculture, especially given increasing population pressure on land. Museveni also dismissed identity-based politics as a sign of “ideological weakness,” stating that patriotism and Pan-Africanism are essential for expanding African markets and achieving sustainable development.